The Teamworks Operations Summit 2025 gathered sports operations leaders, innovators, and experts from around the world for a one-of-a-kind day filled with insights, discussions, and networking.
Hosted at Brentford FC in London, with over 90 professionals from over 60 sporting organizations spanning the UK, Europe, and the US, it served as a powerful platform for collaboration, elevating the role of operations in driving success both on and off the field.
From NFL veterans to Premier League operators, the day was packed with shared experiences, actionable insights, and the energy of a community determined to push the boundaries of what’s possible in sports operations.
The first session of the day, “The Role of Operations in a Sports Organization,” saw an esteemed panel explore the ever-evolving role of operations teams in sports:
- Alice Sheffield, RFU Men’s Team Operations Manager
- Emily Keighley, Men’s 1st Team Manager at Brighton Hove and Albion
- Gautier Pozo, Team Manager at Toulouse FC
Together, they explored how operations teams shape strategy, influence team culture, and drive performance.
One key takeaway? Operations teams are the “secret sauce”—the glue that binds departments, streamlines communication, and creates a professional culture that athletes and coaches thrive in.
Gone are the days of spreadsheets, messaging apps, and notes under hotel doors. With Teamworks Hub, teams are moving faster, working smarter, and communicating better.
After the thought-provoking session on the role of operations, we welcomed Kevin Abrams, VP of Operations & Strategy at the New York Giants, for a conversation on “Overcoming the Biggest Challenges in Sports Operations.”
This session highlighted the logistical complexities of managing an NFL team and the strategies used to navigate the challenges faced throughout the season, including travel coordination, training schedules, and game-day operations.
A roundtable discussion followed, with the room sharing advice and ideas on how they streamline the delivery of athletes and players in their organizations.
Breakout Sessions: In-Depth Discussions
After lunch, attendees split into two groups: Senior Team Operations and Academy & Development Team Operations. These breakout rooms allowed attendees to dive deeper into the specific challenges each group faces.
In the Senior Team spotlight, Robin Ruiter, Team Manager and Tijn Kruize, Head of Organization of National Teams from KNVB delivered an insight into their roles managing the operations for a wide range of Dutch national teams and the challenges that can bring.
Fran Leighton, Rugby Operations Manager at Bath Rugby, then took to the stage, sharing her own approach to handling travel and team operations with Teamworks Hub.
Meanwhile, in the Academy & Development team spotlight, Will Lambert, Assistant Academy Director at QPR, shared the challenges and successes in transitioning to a new academy training ground, using Teamworks to streamline operations and improve efficiency across all departments.
Andy Pilling, YDP Operations and Events Lead at Manchester United and Zak Wooster, Product Success Manager at Teamworks gave insight into the recent implementation of Teamworks Hub at the club. Andy spoke in detail on how the operations staff utilize the platform across youth development age groups at Manchester United, communicating with their players and parents.
In the afternoon, Kevin Abrams returned alongside Simon Moore Crouch, VP & GM of International Sports at Teamworks, to discuss emerging trends in sports technology.
While AI is gaining ground, both emphasized the enduring importance of human decision-making. The future lies in centralizing data and communication into one platform—delivering a single version of truth that empowers teams to operate at their best.
In the final keynote, Ameesh Manek, COO of Brentford FC, reflected on his journey from outside the sports world to the Premier League boardroom. He spoke passionately about how elite operations underpin team success—from logistics to leadership.
He also touched on team culture, talent development, and the ever-relevant topic of work/life balance—an open discussion that sparked honest conversation around the room.
Conclusion: A Day of Learning and Collaboration
The Teamworks Operations Summit 2025 offered something more than just education—it delivered inspiration, community, and clarity on where the future of sports operations is headed.
Whether you’re an operations leader or a sports professional seeking to optimize performance, the message was clear: operations drive success, and the right technology can accelerate it.
A huge thank you to all our speakers, attendees, and to Brentford FC for being incredible hosts.
If you would like to hear more about how Teamworks can help your organization, please do get in touch.
Stay tuned for next year’s summit – this event is only going to get bigger and better!
